It's much the same with the game's audio. Though PES 2013 does have a greatly improved soundtrack when compared with last year's game, there's not much different in terms of effects. However, what changes have been made are adequate. Jim Beglin, Jon Champion, and the like recorded a few new lines for good measure and it seems the sounds on the field have been toned down significantly. The crowd seems a bit more alive now as well, responding at a moment's notice to the changes on the field.

What's interesting about all of these additions is that on the whole they haven't convinced me that this is an all-new game. That's not to say that PES 2013 is bad. It isn't. It's easily the best football sim that I've ever played. But it isn't leaps and bounds ahead of PES 2012. It's Konami's own fault, too. They set out to make the best football sim every time they release an entry in the series and for the most part they succeed, as they have here.

Even so, partway through my time with the review I was struggling to see the differences here. They're there but they're for the enthusiast, the player that simply has to have the latest version of Winning Eleven. These people don't need convincing. They've had they're pre-orders lined up for quite some time. It's down to Konami to convince the rest of the gaming population to part with their cash. Here, I don't think that they've done that.

For everyone that absolutely needs to have the latest game from their favorite series, here it is. You don't need convincing. If you haven't played a Pro Evolution game since 2011 pick this one up. It's different enough to be worth it. Those who take the plunge will find a wealth of options to choose from, extreme attention to detail, and what is arguably the best simulation soccer in the industry. Everyone else should probably wait to see what Konami has planned for next generation.

Overall Rating - GreatNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Total Freedom of Control: Pro Evolution Soccer introduced the concept of freedom of movement. The new 'PES FC' in Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 goes further with total freedom over ball control.

Dynamic First Touch: Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 introduces subtle ways to receive the ball, from traps, gently lifting it past an attacker to run on to or a variety of other moves. First touch is everything and players can trap the ball using the R2 button, killing the speed of a well-hit pass and bringing it instantly under control, or using the momentum of the pass to turn a defender.

Full Manual Shooting and Full Manual Passing: Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 offers fully manual passing and for the first time ever, manual shooting, allowing users to determine the height and power of each. Long low passes can be sent skimming across the pitch, while shooting the user has total control over where the shot is placed. Skill and precision are needed to master these, but passes can be made into open areas, allowing lone strikers to thrive, while offering an unrivalled variety in ways to score.

Dribbling: The speed with which a player moves with the ball has been slowed in line with real matches, but using R2 allows players to add various styles to their close control. Players can vary the speed of their dribbling, and cushion the ball as they move freely within a 360-degree circle. The new system allows players to knock a ball past a player and collect it, nutmeg them, or hold up play by shielding the ball as team mates find space and make runs.

Goalkeepers: Even the game's keepers benefit from more control, while their distribution is more precise thanks to the addition of a power gauge when they throw the ball, creating opportunities for new, quicker counter attacks.

Player Individuality: The very best players in Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 will be instantly recognizable via signature attributes, skills and tricks that bring them to life. The way they run, turn, trap and move the ball, shape to shoot and even celebrate will be noticeably different during play.